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Development of non-toxic, low-cost, high-performing, disinfecting household gadget to prevent the spread of germs, viruses, bacteria, and fungus.

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - 3E (Development of non-toxic, low-cost, high-performing, disinfecting household gadget to prevent the spread of germs, viruses, bacteria, and fungus.)

Reporting period: 2021-10-01 to 2022-09-30

Cleaning and disinfecting agents and cleaning products play an important role in our everyday life. The risks of infection are growing rather than declining, even in everyday life. Increasing concerns and problems we face towards the pandemic caused by the Covid-19 virus incontrovertibly convinced us of the importance of self-hygiene and keeping our surrounding virus and bacteria-free in order to maintain a healthy environment. Conventional detergents and disinfectants that are widely sold have some shortfalls such as low performance in disinfecting, toxic and harmful ingredients, strict biocidal regulations, high risks of excessive usage or misuse, supply shortages in high demand periods, and high costs that can be short-listed at a glance.
Our number one challenge today is reducing carbon emissions and finding alternative solutions to replace harsh chemicals with non-toxic ones that we use in our everyday life. Another challenge is to find alternative ways to reduce the packaging waste and the excess transportation needed in the conventional way of producing and selling detergents. A 2017 study found that air pollution caused over 23.000 deaths in the UK, representing up to 7.1% of the GDP.
Our business innovation aims to develop a non-toxic, low-cost yet powerful, and effective cleaning and disinfecting solution that can be prepared in situ (at home or office). Compared to conventional detergents, this solution eliminates germs 99,9% safely. The project aims to eliminate the requirement of expensive, and toxic conventional detergents, disinfectants, and alcohol-based personal disinfectant products and introduce a low-cost solution that is easily reachable to public use.
The solution kills viruses, bacteria, microbes, fungus, and germs by 99,9% (including coronavirus). The solution, at the same time, sterilizes, deodorizes, and purifies the air, and is safe to use on pets, and fruit and vegetables as well. The expected outcomes of the project are increased public health and reinforced prevention measures of the spread of germs by introducing a completely new, safe household cleaning, disinfection, and low-cost gadget for public use. The system reduces the total energy consumed in the transportation of bulky detergents consisting of up to 95% water. The concept comes with reusable spray bottles rather than disposables, used in conventional products. This reduces the total packaging and plastic waste by up to 92% as the bottles and trigger sprays can be reused up to 100 times. The 3E concept and the main pillars in this project ensure Europe’s transition to a sustainable future in the detergent and sanitation industry and for its citizens. Transitioning to a green economy is one of the top priorities in this action and studies we are conducting in order to clever use our sources and reduce energy consumption.
The Main USPs of the 3E e-Booster device 1) Increase personal hygiene and public health, 2) Reduce toxic chemical consumption, 3) Reduce the cost of cleaning, 4) Reduce plastic packaging waste, 5) Reduce CO2 in transportation
We have conducted the needed R&D activities to achieve the performance criteria set forth.
WP1 aim was to bring our idea to TRL9 and this objective has succeeded during the project. We have optimized the MVP prototype according to what we have learned from our various market tests, UX studies, and the key findings from our commercial viability assessments.
In WP2, we have conducted market tests including UX studies with TRL9 working products, and examined real-life scenarios. Testing infrastructure has been formed to test various products and aspects of the concept. Some have been listed below.
- User acceptance
- Price/performance ratio
- User-friendliness
- Performance tests
- Design approach
Implementation of the UX studies and field tests have been conducted during the second period of the project. The key findings helped us to improve and fine-tune the concept based on objectives and consumer needs.
WP3 objectives were to build an entire 3E supply chain and optimize the production, sales, and after-sales activities. Extra hours are invested due to unforeseen global supply chain problems arising from the Ukraine-Russia war and ongoing supply shortages.
We have consolidated and strengthened the supply chain to ensure a constant supply of components to sustain the manufacturing of 3E products.
We have taken precautionary actions to minimize the risks of rising costs on commodities.
WP4 consists of market monitoring and analyzing potential markets. Cost accounting has been finalized by reaching the current production-ready stage. A final cost is in hand with a lapse margin due to volatile market conditions.
The project’s commercial viability has been validated by in-depth financial projections during the second phase of the project.
Communication and dissemination activities started during the project and will expand during the post-project period intensely by using an omnichannel strategy.
Trademark and industrial design protections have been granted during the final reporting period.
Project management tasks in WP5, to ensure proper execution and implementation of the project are well organized, managed and all objectives have been succeeded.
- Ensuring proper execution of research and development activities
- Correct financial administration and continuous reporting
- Submission of deliverables on time
- Forming a key decision committee in the consortium
- Organizing periodic coordination meetings among the consortium members
- Liaison between the consortium and the EC
Our objective is to develop a low-cost household gadget that will generate in-situ, ready-to-use, high-performing, effective, and non-toxic cleaning and disinfecting agent to reinforce the measures of preventing the spread of diseases. The project aims to eliminate the need for expensive and toxic detergents and disinfectants by developing a low-cost solution that is easily reachable for public use. The 3E e-Booster device works with tap water, and NaCI or a specially formulated solution consists of Sodium chloride (NaCI), and (non-toxic) surfactants. The 3E gadget converts this special solution and tap water into a non-toxic yet powerful detergent including hypochlorous acid to combat infectious organisms on the surfaces, in the air, and pesticides on veggies and fruits. The electrolysis of this solution forms hypochlorous acid and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The resulting non-toxic solution can be used as a safe disinfectant. The solution kills viruses, bacteria, microbes, fungus, and germs by 99,9% (including coronaviruses). The solution the same time sterilizes, deodorizes, and purifies the air, and is safe to use with pets, and fruit and vegetables as well. 3E will sterilize and deodorize simply every surface, air, and even clothes, carpets, shoe. The 3E gadget can be used at home, in the car, at the office, or wherever sterilization is needed. The expected outcomes of the project are increased public health, and reinforced prevention measures of the spread of germs, viruses, bacteria, and fungus by introducing a completely new, safe household cleaning, disinfecting, and a low-cost gadget to the public use. The use of a 3E solution is economic and starts saving money from day one.
We were humbled to be awarded by the renowned design awards iF Design Award and German Design Award in 2022 consecutively under eco-design categories.
iF Design Award 2022
German Design Award Ceremony
3E Researcher Team - Chemists
3E Complete Set picture